Besides the Union Buildings, The Voortrekker monument is most probably the most renowned landmark in Pretoria. This massive monument was built in honor of the Voortrekkers (Pioneers), who left the Cape Colony in their thousands between 1835 and 1854. Building began on 13 July 1937 and 12 years later, the Monument was inaugurated on 16 December 1949. 

Over and above the size of the Monument, two other elements make it a site worth visiting: the Historical Frieze and the Cenotaph Hall. The unique marble Frieze is an intrinsic part of the design - in bas-relief 27 panels depict the story of the Great Trek from 1835 to 1852. 

The central focus point of the Monument is the Cenotaph. On top of the Hall of Heroes' is an arch from where one can view the interior of the Monument. It is through an opening in the arch that the sun shines at twelve o'clock on 16 December each year onto the middle of the Cenotaph and the words, 'We for thee, South Africa'. The ray of sunshine symbolizes God's blessing on the lives and endeavors of the Voortrekkers.  I was looking elsewhere when Auntie Karen took this photo, so don't think I was too scared to look down ok?  (She almost fainted from being scared of being so high up, but don't tell her I told you!)

This statue is of Andries Pretorius (1798-1853).  He was a South African political leader and general and till his death the most prominent and colorful Afrikaner figure. Pretoria was named in honor of his contribution to South Africa.

Here is a photo of me in front of a display of a typical Voortrekker family.  The Voortrekkers (Afrikaans for pioneers, literally "those who move ahead") were white Afrikaner farmers who in the 1830s and 1840s emigrated from the British-controlled Cape Colony into the black-populated areas north of the Orange River in what is now South Africa.

Here is another photo of me on a typical ox wagon that was used by the Voortrekkers.  It wasn't just their only means of transport from the Cape Colony to the north, but also their homes during this trek/voyage.

Isn't this view just breathtaking?  It was taken from the front door of the Voortrekker monument, and it shows the centre of the city of Pretoria.  If you look close enough you'll see the Union Buildings in the center of the picture.

Here is a photo of me in front of a typical Zulu hut from the same era as the Voortrekkers.  Some Zulu people in rural areas still build these huts as their only shelter.  The hut was made using mostly traditional materials - common thatch grass, black wattle (saplings for the hut walls) fig bark for tying material, and rock alder for the central pole support. The traditional polished cow dung floor didn't stink any more - thank goodness for that!